Disabled Consumers
Mass Access maintains a database of accessible and affordable apartments. This database catalogs location of housing, rent level, bedroom size, adaptable or accessible features, vacancy status, amenities, and neighborhood features
Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. You can find times and places of local A.A. meetings or events by contacting a nearby central office.
The Mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families. Information on varied resources and program services can be found here.
This organization provides advocacy and educational services for people with disabilities. A new autism resource center is now available as well.
Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS), works to ensure the delivery of the highest quality, culturally-competent, cost-effective array of alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment, recovery services to individuals and HIV education and prevention programs for families and communities in Massachusetts.
Cape Abilities serves individuals with disabilities on Cape Cod by offering educational,counseling & housing programs as well as residential, therapeutic, social and employment support.
We help people with disabilities learn to live more independently. Specialists provide one-to-one services to individuals in their homes throughout Central Massachusetts. These services include intake/assessment, peer counseling, advocacy, independent living skills training, emergency intervention, and information and referral.
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
The Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) has been aggressively working since 1984 to advance the independence, productivity, and integration of people with disabilities, including deaf and hard of hearing people, into mainstream society.
This Nonprofit, self-help organization run by and for people with affective disorders. Includes support group listings, event calendar, and a bookstore.
The program helps seniors maintain their independence and "age in place" by providing better access to supportive services such as case management, 24-hour on-site personal care staff, housekeeping, a daily meals program, medication reminders, transportation, shopping and laundry service to elders within their senior housing complexes.
The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities. Their mission is to provide legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Massachusetts.
This website by the National Association Of The Deaf explains the rights and conditions under which deaf tenants can install modifications necessary for the safety and enjoyment of their rented premises.
Habit OPCO is a Substance Abuse Treatment organization that provides outpatient services to communities in need in a manner which respects an individual's worth and recognizes their desire to improve the quality of their lives.
Helping Our Women offers direct services to women diagnosed with chronic, life threatening, or disabling conditions who live in the towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. All of our services are free and confidential.
This Services and Resources Guide reflects services funded through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.They assist providers in making appropriate referrals for individuals in need of HIV, Hepatitis, STD and/or substance use related screening, testing, treatment and other services. For more information about services check this link.
South Boston’s Hope and Recovery Coalition website provides people with substance abuse or psychiatric problems with information on where to get help NOW.
A helpful publication that explains the process of obtaining housing assistance help from shelters to home ownership. It is published by the MA Department of Housing and Economic Development.
HUD certificates and vouchers that are available for people with disabilities require that applicants meet this definition. During determination of eligibility you will be required to provided disability verification from a health care professional.
JRI's works with individuals and their families to provide high quality, consumer responsive and innovative programs in the area of housing,job training, day habilitation and much more in many communities in Massachusetts.
JRI Health runs several different models of supported housing programs for persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. JRI Health is the third largest AIDS housing provider in the country, offering over 800 units of housing.
This agency near Boston, MA provides homes,jobs, education and other supportive living services for people with developmental disabilities.
People living at home (children as well as adults) who need more help than family members can give, can get certain long-term-care services to help them live at home. MassHealth offers three special programs that allow certain MassHealth Standard members to get these needed long-term-care services at home.
M-POWER is a member run organization of mental health consumers and current and former psychiatric patients. They advocate for political and social change within the mental health system, the community, city, and statewide. They stand against stigma, bigotry,and discrimination,believing all people are entitled to lives free of prejudice and oppression.
The goal of the Assistive Technology Exchange in New England is to put AT equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it. The exchange is a free "classified ad" type resource designed to help people find, buy, sell or give away used AT equipment.
DDS support people in defining their own needs and preferences in many areas including daily life, personal goals, home, work, leisure and life-style. DDS is committed to creating opportunities for people to become fully integrated in their communities.
(DMH) sets the standards for the operation of mental health facilities and community residential programs and provides clinical, rehabilitative and supportive services for adults with serious mental illness, and children and adolescents with serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. To find out if you are eligible for any of these or other mental health services.
Use these helpful links on the MA Health and Human Services website to find information on disability services like housing and supported living, transportation, abuse prevention, as well as disability determination and how claims are processed by the Social Security Administration.
The MassAccess Housing Registry helps people find affordable housing in Massachusetts. A key feature of the Registry is to highlight homes for people with disabilities who need accessible or barrier-free housing.
The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program, operated by Easter Seals Massachusetts, is an alternative financing project that gives people with disabilities and elders access to low interest cash loans to purchase assistive devices and services.
MCDHH serves as the principal agency in the state on behalf of deaf, late deafened, and hard of hearing people.The four regional offices provide a broad range of services including case management, skill training, a statewide interpreter referral service.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, or speech disabled can contact MassRelay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year enabling hearing people or people who do not use a text telephone (TTY).
This non-profit organization helps people with long term mental health issues find and secure employment, housing, education, mental health services and more while acting as an information clearinghouse and co-ordinating body for the community.
Our services include: vocational rehabilitation assistance; assistive technology; orientation and mobility services for independent travel; medical assistance services; specialized services for children and elders who are blind.
MOAR is part of a New England-wide movement to speak up for those in recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions. We strive to give a face and a voice to those in recovery, and to increase awareness about the positive contributions of addiction recovery in our communities and in the workplace.
This agency helps individuals with disabilities live independently and go to work. They serve individuals with all types of disabilities except those who are blind. Individuals with visual disabilities are served through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Here you find comprehensive information and resources from basic housing and food, to education and training information.
The Boston Resource Center provides information, support and peer to peer referral services to individuals with various forms of mental illness and their families.
We have placed this website on the Internet as one of the gateways to the "experience,strength and hope" available to any addict seeking recovery. It contains information for addicts and professionals about Narcotics Anonymous in the New England Region of NA.
The AIDS housing directory for New England has information on single and scattered-site, permanent and transitional supportive housing programs for people living with HIV/AIDS in MA,CT,NH,MA,VT & RI. This is an excellent reference for consumers, case managers, client advocates, program planners as well as funders.
Contained within this site is a wealth of information for people with disabilities, their friends, families and the people who serve them. Information within this site focuses primarily on Massachusetts. Search their database for disability programs and services in Massachusetts.
To locate a needle and syringe exchange program in your area follow this link.
If you are disabled the Anti-discrimination laws offer you protection and help. You may be able to request a reasonable accommodation (for Housing) during the occupancy cycle, whether it be admissions, tenancy, or eviction.
Road to Responsibility provides services for those with intellectual and develpmental disabilitie. Their programs are geard towards each persons specific needs. Individuals are taught how to manage all aspects of life in safe and comfortable home settings. Follow this link for more details on home placement availabilities.
This guide by "The Simple Dollar" explains how Social Security disability benefits work while helping you determine whether your disability, illness, or chronic condition is enough to qualify. We’ll walk you through each step of the process, and tell you what to expect during each stage of your Social Security disability application.
Span Inc offers HIV positive ex offenders reintegration services including case management and help with transitional housing.
SHIP is part of the Community Services Program of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. SHIP identifies, cultivates and develops resources and services for Massachusetts residents who have sustained an externally caused traumatic brain injury.
Harm Reduction Services at Tapestry work as an HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV) prevention and education program that works with out-of-treatment drug users in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties to create a personal plan with individuals to minimize the health risks of injections drug use.
Victory Programs promotes the successful reintegration of individuals into their communities through the achievement of long-term sobriety, the rebuilding of family systems, and the accessing of such stabilizing factors as housing, holistic health care, employment and community affiliations.
This guide is intended for young adults who need assistance in navigating mental health and substance abuse issues,so that they may achieve their goals of recovery and become successful, independent adults who live and thrive. in the community.
Elder Citizen Information
This website is designed to assist consumers and caregivers as well as professionals seeking information and resources on eldercare services. The site lists information on approximately 40,000 services and programs in Massachusetts for elders.
Here you will find expert information from Health Care Professionals who specialize in the Care of Older Adults.
If you need help paying for food, medication or more, this site by the National Council On Aging can help ypu find private or public programs available to people 55 and over.
Congregate Housing is a shared living environment designed to integrate the housing and services needs of elders and younger disabled individuals. Congregate Housing is neither a nursing home nor a medical care facility.
Community Teamwork’s Elder Peer Specialist will work with you and other agencies to obtain help and services in regards to housing, finances, transportation, legal and other needs. These services is specially designed for individuals 55 and older.
Eldercare Locator connects older Americans and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services. You may speak to an Eldercare Locator information specialist by calling 1-800-677-1116.
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. (ESCCI) is a private, not-for-profit community-based organization dedicated to serving older adults in the twenty-two towns of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties.
Every American has a right to fair housing. The right to live where you choose, to raise a family, to own a home--in dignity and without fear of discrimination--
A resource for finding elder care resources in all of massachusets:
These dining centers in Franklin County, formerly known as congregate meals, offer hot noon meals for elders age 60 and older. These meals are offered at nine senior centers in the area, for detailed information check this link:
Harvard Pilgrim offers Medicare Supplement Plan for individuals residing in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire, enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B.
This Program provides nutritious meals to elders who are unable to leave their homes due to illness, disability or frailty through the Home Delivered Meals programs.
People with Alzheimer's can live in their homes, as long as safety measures are in place. As Alzheimer's progresses, a person's abilities change. But with some creativity and problem solving, you can adapt the home environment to support these changes.
TheHomeCareDirectory.org by "the Home Care Alliance of MA" offers this comprehensive info on the web for finding Home Care, Home Health Care and Hospice Care providers throughout our area.
H.O.M.E. is dedicated to protecting the equity of low and moderate income elder homeowners. As an independent third party, H.O.M.E. receives no fees whatsoever for any loans generated. H.O.M.E. counselors focus solely on conserving and protecting the equity of low/mod-income elder homeowners.
The Hospice Association of America (HAA) is a national organization representing more than 2,800 hospices and thousands of caregivers and volunteers who serve terminally ill patients and their families. HAA is the largest lobbying group for hospice, advocating the industry's interests before Congress, the regulatory agencies, other national organizations, the courts, the media, and the public.
Those programs assist individual health care consumers who are coping with issues of caregiving, terminal illness, and grief
This is a direct link to the HUD site on the Fair Housing Law. You will be able to download Fair Housing information in the following languages: english,spanish,arabic,cambodian, chinese, korean,russian and vietnamese.
Home health agencies today provide a full range of health and supportive services that span the full cycle of life from prenatal care through hospice and bereavement counseling. These services include skilled nursing, home health aide, homemaker/housekeeping, social services, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, emergency response, nutrition counseling, and case management.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts online resource INFORMATION BANK for elder services.
This site provides access to a library of housing articles and pamphlets prepared by Massachusetts Legal Services. There are materials on Tenant Rights, Subsidized Housing, Eviction Defense, Fair Housing and Apartment Conditions.
Go to this site to find information on access to housing, utility shut off protection, foreclosure or eviction help and much more.
The Martha's Vineyard Center for Living provides a variety of services, programs and activities for Islanders 55 and over (55+) through partnerships with the Town Councils on Aging (COAs) and other related organizations. Ten/elders
This small Mashpee Company has a team of nurses, CNAs, Home health Aides, EMTs, social workers, massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, physical therapists and others who offer Cape Cod elders help with personal care, errands, meals, transportation, advocacy. This should help in enabling you to stay in your own home as long as possible.
This non-profit association is devoted to supporting the establishment and operation of quality assisted living residences in Massachusetts that provide appropriate supportive housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels.
Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) offer a combination of housing, meals and personal care services to adults on a rental basis. The underlying philosophy of assisted living is based on providing needed services to residents in a way that enhances their autonomy, privacy and individuality. This site will help you locate an ALR in your town.
They provide daily living needs support services to elders so they can remain at home in their communities. The services are designed to encourage independence and to ensure dignity. Visit this site for information.
This links you to the MA Meals on Wheels site. Here you can type in your zip code to locate the service provider for meals on wheels in your particular neighborood.
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.Find out about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment. Compare Home Health Agencies in your area; find out what Medicare covers
This web site was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide information and resources to help you and your family plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs.
If you are looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend you should visit this site.
Prescription Advantage, the Massachusetts state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP), works together with the Medicare prescription drug coverage to lower cost's for individuals enrolled in Medicare and in some cases for individuals not eligible for medicare.
These days, aging in place is easier than ever before.There are opportunities in the design of the home from simple safety measures to remodeling, so that seniors can enjoy their days without exerting a lot of mental energy on fall prevention.
This website has information on affordable senior living communities located in Massachusetts. They offer a range of lifestyle options for seniors featuring lovely accommodations and unsurpassed services at reasonable monthly rates.
Serving Health Information for Elders: by MA elder affairs provides health insurance counseling services to elderly and disabled adults all over the state for more info check this site:
SSI recipients,this booklet by the National Consumer Law Center informs you on all you need to know about this special debit card service.
Welcome to a loving and supportive LGBT Community of Seasoned Adults. A community for and with LGBT seniors in mind, who are working to create residential, educational, social and support opportunities for older LGBTs.
If you are thinking of setting up a living trust you might want to check this site. It will provide you with the necessary guidance.
We work on identifying the physical and social needs for elder persons sixty years of age or older in the towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah. Services are continually provided to improve the quality of life of elders by assisting them in remaining as physically mobile, mentally alert and socially active as possible.
It is the mission of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. This page offers you information on services for the Aging population.
Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient, while attending to the equally important needs of the family and caregivers. Some hospices also provide palliative care services for patients diagnosed with progressive disease for whom hospice care is not yet appropriate. Locate a hospice in your area, learn about Advance Care Planning
Fair Housing
GLAD gives the reader guidance on how to deal with housing discriminaiton based on sexual orientation or HIV status.
If you feel you have been discriminated against you can print out this form, fill it out and forward it to the respective agency. This can also be used by housing advocates who are helping a client with a complaint.
This links you to the text of THE FAIR HOUSING LAW in Massachusetts. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGIOUS CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY OR SEX
The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities. They provide legal advocacy on disability issues for Massachusetts residents.
The Office of Fair and Equal Housing opportunity administers and enforces federal laws. This HUD site informs the reader on the laws and regulations regarding housing discrimination.
This online advocate is a National resource designed to serve both the fair housing advocacy community and the general public with timely news and information regarding the issues of housing discrimination.
The “ MA Department of Housing and Community Development” created this extensive list of housing related resources for all Massachusetts residents. New site 11/19/2011.
Every American has a right to fair housing. The right to live where you choose, to raise a family, to own a home--in dignity and without fear of discrimination--is a fundamental right guaranteed to all. It cannot be denied to anyone because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap.
Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint.
This site links you to information about fair housing laws, tenant landlord issues and housing discrimination in general. You will find step by step guidelines on how to file a complaint, find answers for common questions and and much more.
This page answers important questions about what a landlord and tenants rights and responsibilities are.
The Boston Fair Housing Center welcomes you to our HOUSING RESOURCE LINKS page.
Federal "Fair Housing" info in Spanish.
Food Assistance
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts provides this service guide of essential services for people in this region.
Boston Food Banks programs for children can be found here.
This soup kitchen in Lawrence MA offers nutritious evening meals every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday form 5-7:30pm. No questions asked, no forms are required and everyone who needs a meal is welcome. Counseling & support staff is available for those who could use it. The second floor also houses a beautiful children’s room.
Here Cape Coders can find information on free food for them and their families.
The State offers an electronic access card for food stamp recipients, it is called the "Electronic Benefit Transfer" card or EBT card. If you need information on how they work please visit this site.
New england’s largest food surplus provider operates the 2 dollar a bag program in and around the Boston area, here you find out about distribution centers and other details about this program
Your family might be eligible for food stamps or other programs listed on this page. Here you can fill out a short online survey to find out if you qualify and a printable application.
This links you to phone contacts for food programs and other resources in the Commonwealth like Legal help,health information, parental guidance, employment training contacts and much more.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provide this link for their child nutrition outreach program.
Our goal is to prevent Nantucket residents from going hungry. Anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty in obtaining food for themselves and their family is eligible for Food Pantry assistance
Project Bread's is making emergency food accessible to those who would otherwise go hungry. They fund 400 local food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks and food salvage programs in 132 Massachusetts communities. Click to see who is funded in your area.
SNAP benefits are provided by the federal government and administered by DTA. Residents of the Commonwealth who participate in SNAP are families with children, elders and disabled.To learn how to apply for food assistance follow this link.
Como usar su tarjeta Accesso a el Bay State (EBT) para obener sus beneficios en dinero en effective y/o de cupones de alimentos
Our mission is to work with the local communities to reduce hunger and increase food security for families, we run our own food bank farm, have general information about hunger and links to other statewide services and agencies.
If you or someone you know on Martha’s Vineyard needs the assistance of the Food Pantry, the following information should be helpful.
Business hours are: (mid-October to mid-April) Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2 pm-4 pm
(mid-April to mid-October) Wednesday 3 pm – 6 pm
We are a “Food pantry” and offer Community meals, a Second Glance Thrift shop, summer lunches for kids in the Gloucester, Rockport and Ipswich area. Our main focus is on providing food for people in need.
A nutrition and health educational program for women, infants and children in Massachusetts: WIC ensures that all expecting mothers, new mothers and young children receive proper nutrition for a healthy start in live.
General Information
The United Way introduces this statewide Information & Referral System. Calling 211 (a confidential call) you will find contact information for many services from housing, to government benefits and more, especially during a crisis situation.
ABCD offers free tax assistance at sites all across the city. Our volunteers are IRS-certified, and are fully capable of helping you find hundreds of dollars worth of tax credits you may not have even known you were eligible for!
BAMSI’s essential services Helpline attempts to help you with your housing needs and helps families apply for housing they can afford.
Boston residents can call this 311 phone line for NON emergency calls. This 24 Hour Constituent Service offers online assistance. You will find links to forms, permits, applications, service requests and payments.
The City of Boston offers many educational opportunities for home buyers, home owners and tenants who want to learn more about their housing options. You might want to earmark this page and visit frequently to find open classes.
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD),and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC),the first public health department in the US,have pooled their resources to provide site visitors with accurate and up-to-date information on the wide variety of human services available across the city of Boston.
The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Cambodian Americans and other minorities and economically disadvantaged persons in Lowell through educational, cultural, economic and social programs.
Their primary objective is to assist and educate consumers and sellers of goods and services about consumer protection laws. CAC’s secondary objective is to insure that consumer transactions are conducted in a fair and equitable manner and that ethical merchants are protected from unjustified complaints.
Home heating laws and information for Boston Tenants.
Throughout Massachusetts there are consumer service groups whos mission is to help you find help and assistance with a variety of of needs. To find contact information for those agencies follow this link. new 11/19/11
A guide by the MA state Treasurer's office for all Massachusetts residents who need help in finding services, information and assistance.
This project helps provide basic furniture, home and baby goods to families in the Merrimack Valley area. This program helps families gain independence while at the same time saving our enviroment by reusing goods rather than discarding them in our landfills. This link is for familes who need goods as well as donors who would like to recycle their slightly used still funtional items.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable credit that is available to certain individuals and families who have low-to-moderate levels of earned income (wages, salary, tips, bonuses & net earnings from self-employment) and are taking care of at least one or two minor children. In certain cases, a taxpayer with low earned income and no children may also qualify.For more information and to see if you qualify visit this site.
A Network For Families: here you can find Professionals Supporting Parents, Children & Youth With Special Needs.
IRS-approved volunteer tax preparation services may be available in your community. To find a site near you, you may call 1-800-829-1040 or visit:
In cooperation with faith based organizations they provide recycled household goods for individuals and families in need. Furnishings, pots, pans and small appliances can be donated as well as received. In order to learn more about this agency and the service they provide visit their website here:
If you qualify for the earned imcome tax credit you can get free tax assistance at CTI in Lowell. For more information and contacts please visit this link.
This site by the Federal Government offers the reader up to date info on new tax laws and regulations.
To help people get a jump on their taxes before filing season opens, the Internal Revenue Service announced the immediate availability of Free File brand-name software for most taxpayers.
Affordable phone service help! The Lifeline and Link-Up programs are available to qualifying consumers in every state, territory, and commonwealth. Eligibility criteria vary by state. States that have their own Lifeline program may have their own criteria.
The Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development's direct link to online unemployment services can be found here.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services serves over 6,000 people every year. Reflecting the diversity of the Vineyard community, our clients are both impoverished and affluent and include families and individuals of all ages, races and ethnicities. - See more by following this link.
Mediation can help to resolve problems related to: Landlord – Tenant Disputes: property repairs / maintenance of common areas / access to units / rent increases or payments / security deposits / Noise and Pet issues / Communication and other relevant concerns
This list of links to Cities and Towns across the Commonwealth is provided by the Massachusetts Municipal Association's website.
This Christian ministry delivers essential furniture and food free of charge to those in need. For more information visit the website here:
This site provides MA consumers with links to governmnet benefits programs. These programs include emergency assistance, education, heating assistance, food programs and much more.
Pro Home’s mission is to provide education to homeowners and tenants, advocate for affordable housing for all,prevent homelessness and eliminate housing discrimination. To learn about their educational workshops follow this link:
This program connects people in crisis with the social services and support networks that surround them – The Lifeline Program is a federal program that provides a monthly discount on landline or wireless phone service to eligible low-income households. The Lifeline discount can lower or eliminate the cost of your monthly phone bills.
The Merrimack Valley Small Business Center provides entrepreneurs from ethnically and economically diverse groups with the education, tools, and resources needed to create, sustain, and grow viable small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.
If you are using or planning on using a space heater to complement your heat this winter,this information will give you important advice to keep your family safe.
We provide services to our community from credit counseling, taxpayer assistance, housing counseling, early education, veterans programs to weatherization assistance. For more information please visit our website.
Going back to work after a health related absence can affect your benefits.The Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs. This is mainly for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities.
2017 Tax season refund questions and answers.
The Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (Viet-AID) was founded in 1994 in a plan to provide comprehensive economic development programs and services to alleviate poverty and advance civic participation in the Fields Corner Vietnamese community of Dorchester. To learn about their services follow this link.
Health and Safety
We support the health and wellness of our Island community by connecting you to information and services that have the power to transform the quality of your life.
The Cambridge public heath department provides this educational flyer for information on bed bugs: How to spot them and what to do if you have them in your home.
Consumer's guide to Massachusetts requirements for carbon monoxide alarms. This guide is presented by the Department of Fire Services and answers frequently asked questions about carbon monoxide poisoning and carbon monoxide alarms.
Important safety information for families using wood stoves to heat their homes. By the states fire Marshal's office.
This site provides information about lead, lead hazards, and gives you some simple steps to protect your family.
Comprehensive, integrated and compassionate counseling services that foster the well-being of our community. Helping you become your best you." Family and Children’s Services of Nantucket remains the only non-profit mental health agency and counseling center on Nantucket.
The Lexington program for toxic waste reduction can be found here. Disposal of hazardous waste is a large concern for our Communities and this page helps residents learn how to reduce the use of toxic/hazardous materials in their homes as well as where and when to dispose of them.
This flyer by the MA public Saftey office helps citizens of the commonwealth stay safe during the winter months.
Using a dryer seems easy, but every year familes are put at risk with dryer fires, this flyer gives you practical advice on the steps you need to take to avoid a fire.
This practical leaflet gives you information on how to remove and keep Mildew away from your living area. By UMASS outreach / Barnstable County extension program.
Information in spanish on lead issues in Massachusetts.
If you think your home has high levels of lead you should get your children tested. This booklet gives you guidance on the steps you can take on your own to protect your family when living in an older home where possible lead might be an issue. This pamphlet published by the EPA also offers advice on a healthy diet and other steps you can take to avoid lead exposure to your family.
Info for landlords, tenants,homeowners and new buyers: On this page you can type in an address and learn if the home has any issues concerning lead and get details on the possible lead violation, or if the property has lead compliance letter available.
This site has general information, legal documents, deleading information, and statistics regarding lead poisoning in Massachusetts.
The MA Deptartment of Energy and Environmental Affairs offers this site for information on hazardous household waste. Please find out here on what to do and where to dispose of hazardous waste across the state.
This site contains the guidelines for safe and sanitary housing established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Puntos Principales del Captulo II del Codigo Sanitario del Estado
This guide to lead hazards in your home was produced by the United States Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Housing and Community Development and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Learn how to identify lead hazards and how to minimize your risk of exposure.
Los calentadores y estufas a leña o carbón pueden brindarle más calor durante los fríos meses del invierno ¡si se las usa con el debido cuidado! PERO si los calentadores están en el lugar equivocado, pueden causar serios incendios,lesiones y hasta la muerte.
The office of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal prepared this flyer to teach families about fire safety practices in their homes.
Carbon Monoxide/winter safety flyer by the MA Department of Health and Human Services: Helps residents with safety tips for use at home as well as at the work place.
Housing Agencies
Action Inc. offers help with: Rent or mortgage assistance, Assistance with housing searches,move-in costs, Mediation in landlord / tenant disputes, subsidized housing and also emergency shelter. Visit this site for more information.
BCRHA provides the following services for all Berkshire County Residents: dispute resolution counseling, Tenant Landlord mediation services,legal and educational counseling, homelessness prevention, housing search assistance and much more. To learn about all available programs visit site.
CMHA operates many programs ranging from homelessness prevention to affordable homeownership and services for elder homeowners. CMHA is a member of the "Regional Housing Network of MA". More detailed information on our programs can be found here.
The Dukes County Regional Housing Authority serves as a resource for Islanders who rent, need a new rental, home owners or prospective home buyers as well as those working to create affordable housing opportunities.
The Gloucester Housing Authority formed in 1948 proudly promotes and provides help with adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free of discrimination. They currently assist over 1300 households in the Cape Ann area through Public Housing, Rental Assistance, Homeownership and Resident Service programs.For details on their programs visit this site.
We develop housing, both for rental and home ownership. We administer rental assistance programs funded by local municipalities and we actively help families access resources and assistance from a variety of available resources.
Here you can find a list of all MA Housing Authorities and their contact information.
LHAND's mission is to assist low and moderate income families and individuals with safe and affordable housing. For information on all the programs they offer follow this link.
The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal Housing Authority was created to provide safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable housing for tribal members. It is the intention of the Housing Authority to construct Elderly housing on MV. These homes are funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants.
Island Elderly Housing, Inc. (IEH), a 501(c)(3) corporation, is offering affordable rental housing on Martha's Vineyard. The founders of IEH were dedicated to fulfilling the need for affordable rental housing for the Island's elderly and disabled. Today, over 170 Vineyard residents call IEH their home.
The Nantucket Housing Office is a private, not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to create community housing opportunities for Nantucket.
We are dedicated to providing quality public housing for eligible tenants. We own and manage 2551 apartments within the City of New Bedford and also administer over 1800 housing subsidy vouchers for qualified tenants who can use them for rental assistance in the greater New Bedford area. For contact information check this website.
Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) is entering its twenty-fourth year as a multi-service non-profit community development corporation (CDC). Initially focusing on East Boston we are now creating and preserving affordable housing opportunities and building safe and healthy neighborhoods for those most in need and others challenged by today’s housing market in the greater Boston area as well.
Regional Housing Network of MA (former MA Nonprofit Housing Association) consists of nine regional nonprofit housing agencies, all charitable, nonprofit, community based, public purpose agencies. These agencies are actively involved in collaborative efforts with an array of service providers to assist families across the state. Between them, they serve every city and town in Massachusetts.
Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) is dedicated to maintaining diversity and preserving affordability in Somerville by building and preserving housing, organizing for necessary policies and funding, and giving residents the financial skills they need to survive
For over 20years, The Housing Program of Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. has worked towards a wide range of housing opportunities for families, veterans, and homeless single adults. VOC currently owns and self-manages nine properties with different programs throughout the Holyoke and Chicopee area.
Housing Search
Caritas is the largest non-profit owner and manager of permanent Veteran and Single Room occupancy housing in the greater Boston area.
Fannie Mae provides this database of foreclosed homes.This links you to homes available in Massachusetts.
Here you find the Commonwealth's most complete listing of affordable home lotteries. Published as a community service by the non-profit Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA), the site is designed to help low- to moderate-income home buyers find a home they can afford, and also educate them about the lottery and home buying process.
The Boston Rental Housing Center was created in 1995 to provide advice, information and assistance to Boston landlords and tenants.
Are you looking for affordable housing in Cambridge? The CDD Housing Division offers both rental and ownership opportunities, please follow this link for more information.
This links you to current affordable housing opportunities in the Newton and surrounding areas.
Use this free database to find affordable rental homes in the North Shore and Merrimack Valley area. This website was developed by Community Teamwork Inc. (CTI) as a free service for landlords and tenants.
Way Finders (formerly HAP Housing) manages properties throughout the Pioneer Valley, including housing for the elderly, those with disabilities, singles and families. This new link on their site offers a search engine to helps folks find current availabilities quickly and easily.
HOP has individualized direct service and/or works in collaboration with other service providers (including DMH, DMR, and MRC) to provide: rental subsidies, Housing searches, ongoing case management and stabilization services:
Mass Access maintains a database of accessible and affordable apartments. This database catalogs location of housing, rent level, bedroom size, adaptable or accessible features, vacancy status, amenities, and neighborhood features
This book provides information about searching for rental housing in Massachusetts for people who have one or more disabilities. Most of the information is also helpful to people who are low-income. This can help you understand what your housing options are and find housing that meets your needs.
If you are looking for housing in various areas in the South Eastern MA region this is the site you want to visit. Housing Solutions of South Eastern MA (Formerly South Shore Housing) is the leading housing agency for this area.
This Website helps you with your search for housing, subsidies, waitlists and other housing related issues.
This helpful guide discusses options for housing assistance in Massachusetts from shelters to homeownership.
Unfortunately the need for affordable housing in MA is so great that Housing Agencies and owners of multifamily housing must keep waiting lists for applicants. Because these lists have gotten so long it is important that you know how that process works.This booklet was compiled by MassLegalHelp.org. it will give you information on how to increase your chances on lowering your waiting period.
LCW owns and manages 71 units in 9 separate buildings. Through our management company First Realty Corporation, LCW provides high quality and reliable management and maintenance for our tenants.Some of the available rental housing includes the following developments: Bradford apartments,Berkely Place,Farnham Court and Reviviendo Family Housing
The Community Development Partnership of the Lower Cape has affordable rental and homeownership options available for more information visit their website at this link.
Clubs offer comprehensive and dynamic supports and services 5-6 days each week to members by combining employment, housing, and education services with social activities, life skills, wellness initiatives, arts-based rehabilitation and advocacy for people recovering from psychiatric conditions.
Community Action Agencies are non-profit human service agencies who provide emergency assistance to people in crisis.They offer help in finding housing, education, job training,unemployment as well as education on healthy nutrition.
Madison Park Development Corporation's produces affordable housing for low and moderate income families in Roxbury. Here you can find information on affordable multifamily rental housing in the Roxbury area.
Maloney Propertries Inc: is a full service property management company founded in 1981, they offer residential housing untis all over massachusetts. Their site will give you information on affordable rentals, sales and cooperative Family housing, senior housing and housing for people living with disabilities. Allston Brighton CDC has developed 379 units which are now managed by Maloney Properties.
The Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership offers this list of available housing to all seeking housing in the Greater Boston area.
Twin City Community Development Corporation also known as New View Communities of Fitchburg & Leominster is a membership organization who has spent the past 26 years working with city government and community residents to revitalize distressed neighborhoods by developing affordable and stable housing in this area of MA. For detailed information on their programs follow this link:
The PACE Housing Services Program assists families and individuals who are searching for affordable housing or who have other housing needs.
A range of housing options are available specifically to people living with HIV/AIDS including a total of 35 permanent supportive housing vouchers, congregate and scattered site housing units throughout Cape Cod and the Islands funded through the following U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Shelter Plus Care programs.
Affordable Rental Units
QCAP currently owns and manages 49 units of affordable housing in Quincy and Weymouth. Our rental units include single rooms and one and two bedroom apartments. They are offered at below market rates.
RCAP solution keeps a list of available rental housing. This handy tool will help all users find available listings of rentals including contact names, phone numbers and dates posted. Keep in mind that these homes have not been inspected or approved by RCAP Solution. Once you locate an available home and you have a rental voucher you will still have to follow the usual Voucher lease up process.
The Housing list by Mass Housing contains detailed information on properties across the state who are financed or overseen by MassHousing.
If you are a pet owner and worry about loosing your pet in case of an impending move, this site by the Humane society offers you many resources including apartment search info and help with ways to approach your landlord about keeping your pet. This is also a valuable resource for property managers and Landlords who seek help with the issue of pets during a tenanc
Housing Vouchers
HUD's 2017 AMI's for Massachusetts can be found on pages 98 & 99 following this link.
Massachusetts Fair Market Rents can be found here: Once on this page pick your Geography by scrolling down on the menu, select "Massachusetts" then click the button for Statewide FMR's this will get you the current FMR's for your specific area.
Information every tenant with a voucher needs to know about their CORI (Criminal Offender record information).
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary five-year program for families with Section 8 vouchers. The program helps families become financially independent. Program particiants set financial,educational and career goals over a certain time period. Sucessful graduates can save for down payments on a home,small businesses as well as education for them or their children.
The company's core mission is to help Americans living in poverty. We provide free information about current housing options under HUD's Section 8 Housing Voucher (Section 8) Program in every market in the country.
Housing choice vouchers allow very low- income families to choose and lease or purchase safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing. For detailed information on this program follow this link.
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), formerly known as the Chapter 707 Program, provides a permanent improvement in the lives of low-income families and individuals by offering both tenant- and project-based rental subsidies.
You live in Public Housing and you are currently out of work. When you start working again you need to know how this will affect your rent payment. The institute for community inclusion created this site for you to learn how and when your rent payment will increase.
Beginning January 6, 2003, the Massachusetts chapter of NAHRO opened a new centralized waiting list.
Massachusetts housing authorities utilize this one computerized list; all applicant information entered onto this list can be accessed and updated by any and all participating housing authorities. Waiting list information is secure and accessed only by authorized housing authority staff with special login codes.
The Massachusetts Centralized Section 8 Waiting List will remain open indefinitely. Following this link also gives you information on how to check on your status on this list.
HUD provides Section 8 rental vouchers and certificates to Public housing authorities (PHAs) that have approved plans to designate certain housing as elderly-only, disabled-only, or mixed elderly and disabled households to enable persons with disabilities to rent affordable housing. Check with your local Housing Authority for help in your area.
Easy to understand guide to the Section 8 rental assistance program. Includes an overview of the Section 8 program, eligibility requirements, etc. Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc.of Boston MA created this document.
New improved site for: The MA Shelter Plus Care Program provides rental assistance linked with support services to homeless individuals and families with disabilities. Find out how it works and who is eligible. November 2011.
Legal Advice & Information
This 22-page booklet prepared by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute answers questions about the eviction storage law. Updated February 5, 2013. Learn how to protect your belongings if you are facing eviction.
At Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), our team of 72 attorneys and 25 paralegals provide free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low income individuals and families in and around Boston.
We’re here to help you access important services and benefits that protect you and your loved ones.
Find a listing of the Legal Services Programs in your area as well as a link to articles in Spanish, Khmer, Russian, and Vietnamese.
Tenants need to know that if their landlord stops paying his/her mortgage and the BANK starts foreclosure proceedings the BANK now becomes the new owner. This link provides you with information on your rights and responsibilities. For the most part there should not be many changes to the landlord-tenant relationship, but it is better to be informed.
Deciding on elder care can be an uncertain time for many folks. Elders and their family caregivers often face a mix of legal and financial difficulties on a daily basis. Be sure to make informed decisions by understanding the decisional capacity of your family member and your legal authority as a caregiver.
This Lawyer Referral Service is a non-profit public service of the Boston Bar Association designed to provide you with an impartial referral to an attorney in your city or town. Be aware that lawyers referrals on this site do not provide free law services.
LiveJustice is a project of Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts. They are dedicated to helping low-income residents of Massachusetts with housing problems.Here you can search for answers on your own or e-mail an attorney with a tenant/landlord issue. Note! This website has information in spanish as well.
This Forum welcomes you to a collection of frequently asked questions and answers about MA Landlord and Tenant Law. For additional help with landlord and tenant law issues or problems, check out our Mass Law Links and Books About MA Law pages.
If you experience trouble in getting your security deposit back from your landlord, you have the option to file a suit through small claims court. Small claims lawsuits are limited to $2,000. You can go to small claims court if your security deposit was $2,000 or less.
Tthis is an excellent resource from the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. You will find links to forms used during an eviction case as well as frequently asked questions regarding tenant and landlord law.
This service, provided by HUD, enables tenants of HUD insured and assisted properties to field complaints on poor maintenance,dangers to health and safety as well as mismanagement and fraud.
If you need legal advice of any kind you should visit this website by the "National Consumer Law Center" Landlords and tenants alike can find information on many topics, from foreclosure and bankruptcy help to student loans and much more.
Propietarios de vivienda de Massachusetts: ¡obtengan ayuda para salvar su vivienda!
This document provides you with important information regarding security deposits and last months rent laws in Massachusetts for varied tenancy situations including section 8. This is a document by Masslegal help.
A security deposit remains the property of the tenant until a landlord is authorized to use it. Therefore, a landlord is required to keep a tenant’s security deposit in a separate, interest-bearing bank account in Massachusetts. Each account must also be clearly identified as containing funds that do not belong to the landlord and are being held in trust (escrow) for the tenant.
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs "Tenant Rights and Responsbilities" page contains useful information about finding an apartment, entering into a rent agreement, and types of tenancies. This information is written in the following languages: Enlish, Portugese, Spanish, Haitian Creole and Chinese.
Money and Credit
ABCD’s Financial Futures Initiative helps low-income households permanently escape poverty by building assets through home ownership, savings, higher education and entrepreneurship. This initiative currently includes an Individual Development Account (IDA) program with matched savings accounts to help low-income workers save for and purchase a home.
Opening a bank account is a big step because you are putting your money in someone else’shands. You’re counting on someone else to handle your money responsibly. Before you do that, it might be a good idea to understand how banks operate. That’s the purpose of this pamphlet. It won’t tell you everything there is to know about banks and banking, but we hope it will be a good basic introduction.
This is a guide to securing your financial future, this booklet was prepared by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
If you have been using check cashing service for your weekly pay check you should read this info by mass legal help. It will most likely cost you less every year if you have a checking account with your local bank instead.
Una guia para alcanzar sus metas fiancieras, con Federal Reserve Bank.
Compass is a nonprofit organization that helps working, low-income families save toward a first-time home, a college education, or a small business. We provide financial education and matched savings accounts to help families achieve their goals.
The federal trade commission created this guide for the consumer to understand debt collection and what your rights are, when a debt collector is making false statements and what you can do about this.
Do you want to learn how to save, invest and manage your money better? Use this website by the U.S. government if you are planning to buy a home, balance your checkbook,invest in your 401K or if you just want to have better control over your finances
Everyone should check their credit annually. It is best to always be informed about your credit status, in order to avoid financial trouble and possible credit fraud. To get your annual free credit report follow this link.
Every credit card customer should check their credit score regularly. If your credit is not stellar this link to the Federal Reserve website offers you 5 tips on how to improve your credit core.
Money Savings Tips and suggestions written specifically for teens on how to save, spend, borrow, and protect money for your future.
If you are thinking about signing a contract with your oil dealer in order to get the best deal for your family you should first consult this flyer for guidance on how to proceed and work with your oil heat supplier. This flyer also suggests other possible money saving options for you including contacts to your local oil cooperatives.
Emergencies often happen without warning, but how you prepare for them can prevent them from turning into true disasters for you and your family. Key among those preparations—yet probably the most frequently overlooked—is organizing your financial first-aid kit.
Teaching your preschooler good money and saving habits. Boston’s citywide movement to ensure children from families of all races, ethnicities, incomes, abilities, and languages have the opportunities and support they need for success in school and beyond
Tenancy Info and Advice
Mass Legal help outlines the correct ways to end a tenancy. It covers giving proper notice to the landlord about your plan to move. You should use this information for guidance during your preparations to move.
If you are a pet owner and you are looking for a new place to live with your pet, this page may help you negotiate a rental agreement with your Landlord which will be fair to both sides. This site includes information for the elderly & disabled pet owners as well as public housing and condominium regulations regarding pets.
General & legal information on renting a place with others (co-tenants). How to get permission from landlord and other helpful information can be found here.
Whether you are a tenant, landlord, property manager or housing professional: When housing problems happen, things can go from bad to worse, and quickly, if not handled well. To avoid evictions and/or homelessness, Just-A-Start (JAS) professionals mediate and help resolve disputes between tenants, landlords, homeowners, and others by creating a safe, neutral forum in which meaningful dialogue can occur.
This link gets you direct access to application paperwork for public housing available in varied languges.
Mass general law requires that relocation payments and assistance be provided for tenants displaced from their homes as a result of a real estate acquisition by a state, local or private entity.This includes any occupant who moves from real property, or moves personal property, as a direct result of rehabilitation or demolition.
What you should know about renters insurance in general and how to find the right coverage.
This is a homelessness prevention program. TPP works with tenants, including families with children with disabilities, facing eviction as a result of behavior related to a disability (e.g. mental illness, mental retardation, substance abuse, aging related impairments). TPP functions as a neutral party to the landlord and tenant. In consultation with the Housing Court Department, TPP works with the property owner and tenant to determine whether the disability can be reasonably accommodated and the tenancy preserved
WATCH supports tenants who are working to find or keep a decent apartment and those who are looking to buy a home. While WATCH does not currently offer a regular program for landlords, our Tenant Clinic staff will sit down with any landlord to review the laws and ensure you are informed on your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. Just call the Tenant Clinic Hotline to ask a question or make an appointment.
A law in Massachusetts allows landlords to bill tenants, who are starting new tenancies, directly for their water consumption if the property meets the requirements for submetering and water conservation. This booklet answers basic questions about landlords’ and tenants’ rights and responsibilities under this new law. Prepared by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.
Massachusetts info for tenants who live in apartments/housing where the Landlord is facing foreclosure.
A Know Your Rights Guide for Public Housing Tenants in Massachusetts, provided by "MassLegalhelp".
Utility Assistance and Information
New Fiscal year 2017 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also known as Fuel Assistance Program income charts.
Serving the energy needs of western Massachusetts for over 150 years, they offer payment assistance programs, energy efficiency programs and savings tips;
Eligible low-income customers may qualify for forgiveness of a past due bill up to $ 3,000.00, to find out more about this and other assistance programs check this link by Berkshire gas.
Cape & Island Self Reliance,is a membership cooperative in southeastern Massachusetts. As an independent, objective authority, Self-Reliance helps members navigate energy choices and empowers them to make decisions and take actions that save money, increase comfort and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Cape Light Compact is a nationally recognized award-winning energy services organization operated by the 21 towns and two counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The Compact’s mission is to serve its 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy and renewable competitive electricity supply. To find out more information and to schedule an energy audit follow this link.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) better known as Fuel Assistance is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), This program assists low- income individuals and families with the cost of heating their homes during the winter season.
Columbia Gas Company is one of the largest natural gas utilities in New England, serving more than 300,000 customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. They offer customers discounts on weatherization work, rebates for more efficient heating systems. They also partner with local community action agencies to offer free weatherization services to income eligible families.
A competitive retail electricity supplier in Massachusetts has agreed to pay $4 million to settle allegations of deceptive marketing and sales that promised savings but charged significantly higher rates, entered consumers into agreements without their consent, and charged costly termination fees, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today. Important to read.
For lower income Eversource customers this links you to financial assistance information. Here you can find out about discounted rates and much more.
Information on energy efficient programs and insentives, financial assistance, gas heating programs, account management and much more.
The Fuel Assistance or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) site by the MA Government provides you with general program information. This program helps eligible families with funds towards their heating costs and energy savings installations.
This federal program is administered by a network of local agencies.In most areas by the same agency that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP or Fuel Assistance). See the “How to Apply” link to contact your local agency. HEARTWAP contracts with heating system service companies to complete the work for eligible households.
HG&E is a municipally owned utility company that provides electricity, natural gas and much more services to over 18,000 customers.This link gives you info on residential energy conservation program and 0% 5 year loans for conservation home improvemet projects.
If you receive electric or gas from a utility company that is regulated and you qualify financially, you are eligible for a discount on your utility bill. Local telephone companies also offer discounts (called “Lifeline” and “Linkup”) to customers who qualify financially.
Joe Kennedy's "Citizens Energy" non profit agency helps Massachusetts residents who are struggling to stay warm during the winter pay for heating oil deliveries.Citizens Energy also offers consumers valuable energy saving tips. They even help pay a portion of the heating bills for homeless shelters.
Here you find varied LIHEAP information: local agencies contact information, funding, eligibility, program dates, statistics and information on the program's legislative history.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. We provide federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with: Home energy bills, Energy crises, Weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Follow this link for information on this program.
Information on Fuel Assistance and other energy related programs for Massachusetts can be found here.
The Massachusetts consumer alliance provides this site for consumers who want to learn more about green energy generation and power purchase options for them.
Keep Warm and safe this Winter programs:This info describes shut off protection regulations for utility companies, how to avoid heating fires and other practical advice for residents on how to stay warm and safe during the winter months.
The MA Department of Public Utilities has important information for consumers when shopping for competitive electric supply products.
The Mass Save site provides you with details on Home Energy Assessments, available rebates for installing energy saving measures and more.
Welcome to the newly redesigned website for the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, formerly the Massachusetts Oilheat Council. The association’s name change reflects the diversity of fuels and services now being offered by members including heating oil, ultra- low sulfur diesel fuel, renewable BIOHEAT, propane, solar, commercial natural gas and electricity, high-efficiency heating equipment installation and repair, and energy efficiency audits.
National Grid (Electric) customer information on your electric rate.If you are a residential customer and meet the requirements listed here then you may be eligible for a discount on your monthly electric bill. This will save you money and will not affect the service you currently receive.
You might be eligible for a lower gas rate! ~ 25 % lower costs to you per month. It takes up to 8 weeks for the paperwork to be verified and processed. Four convenience we added this link so you can print out an application, fill it out and send it in together with all necessary documentation.
This links you to eligibility information for N-Grid Electric customers in MA.The information is in english and spanish. This also includes an actual application and information on where to send it.
Information on pricing,savings and other natural gas service tips can be found here.
If you heat with propane this document will help you understand what propane is, where it comes from, what affects the pricing in the market and how you can save and reduce your heating budget.
If you are the recipient of the discount electrical rate you are eligible for an electrical energy audit. A SMOC energy manager will review your electric usage and if you are determined to be a high user you might qualify for an energy star refrigerator in order for you to lower your usage. For more information check this page.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps people in need pay for their winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The Fund is for people who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for other fuel assistance programs. This program is a joint effort between the gas and electric utility companies and The Salvation Army.
The 1997 Electric Restructuring Act substantially changed the way the Massachusetts electric utility industry is structured. To understand your electric bills, it is helpful to know these energy terms:
Unitil provides retail electric and natural gas service to customers in north-central Massachusetts. Electric service is provided to all or portions of the communities of Fitchburg, Townsend, Lunenburg and Ashby, and gas service to customers in the communities of Fitchburg, Townsend, Lunenburg, Ashby, Westminster and Gardner.
N-Star, Eversource, utility arrearage forgiveness program flyers provided by ABCD Boston.
This is a link to the MA Attorney General's page on utility shut off help and home heating information.If you are currently facing a utility shut-off, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400.
If you are an income eligible customers of Western Massachusetts Electric customer you may qualify for a special discount rate, for your convenience we added this direct link to the application paperwork.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company, commonly known as WMECO, is a main distributor of electricity in western Massachusetts, serving more than 200,000 customers. Regardless of whether you rent or own your home, we have bundled all the information you need right here in one easy-to-find place!
As winter approaches tenants once again face the problem of getting inadequate heat, this links you to information that can help you understand the law in Massachusetts your Landlord has to follow.Information provided by Attorney Ross.
Veterans
Under Chapter 115 of the MA general laws (M.G.L.ch.115) the Commonwealth provide a program of financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependants.
Homeward Vets, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization that helps to provide home furnishings to previously homeless Veterans who are transitioning into permanent housing.
The Mass Broadband Institute offers this new site for Veterans, their families and Service providers to use as a "clearinghouse" for services and programs that provide help for Veterans and their families throughout the Commonlwealth.
Nathan Hale veterans outreach center in Plymouth and Middleboro: Offers help with, transportation to and from medical appointments, day outings, employment services, internet skill classes, food pantry, housing, counseling and much more. For more information and contact follow this link:
Besides basic shelter the New England Center for Homeless Veterans offers: job training, educational tools & help in reaching the goal of permanent housing and independent living for all. This is a substance-free shelter and is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, serving men and women veterans.
There is little permanent housing for veterans run by veterans. The Department of Veterans Services has this site with contact information for-Veteran Supported permanent housing which includes:
If you are a homeless veterans with a severe psychiatric and /or substance abuse disorder you may be eligible for the Veterans Administration Supportive Housing (VASH) Program. The program provides a rental housing voucher from HUD combined with on-going case management services.
We support three facilities in central Massachusetts: The Veteran Hospice, The Hero's Homestead and The Armistice Homestead. We also have a Mobile Medical Unit that canvases central Massachusetts and New Hampshire, providing health screenings for veterans. The newest project in the works is: The Veterans Victory Farm, a working farm for veterans with emotional or physical problems. This will be a place of health and healing, as are all of the Hospice homes.
The new and improved Department of Veterans' Services website: provides information on state and federal benefits, including details about where and how to apply. State benefits include public assistance for indigent veterans and tuition waivers at state colleges and universities. The resources on the site also include outreach and counseling centers, employment and training, information for women veterans and housing options. Updated website November 2011.
